Both for men and women, keeping muscles in shape is important – as I point out in my post Why muscles?

But there is one reason why many people steer away from any exercise that forcefully contract the muscles (particularly weights). And that is a fear of getting too big.

Now, really big muscles are absolutely fine if bodybuilding is your business, hobby, way of life – or you just happen to like the look. But for many, this is a bit of a turn off.

Let’s get one thing clear – you won’t build muscles of Herculean proportions (Hypertrophy) – especially if you are a female.

In order to do that you need to be:-
a) Genetically disposed and/or take enhancing substances
b) Do a phenomenal amount of weight training.

So do not use this as an excuse not to exercise!

I prefer the idea of shapely (what a lovely word!) and flexible muscles and in order to achieve this you really should be contracting and stretching your muscles adequately and frequently.

I just do my Easy Fitness muscle control and stretching exercises. But, man or woman, there is nothing wrong with weights and the like if you want.